Connecting member, joint, and method for manufacturing joint

Abstract

The connecting component is provided with a main body part, a first end part, a second end part, a first connecting part and a second connecting part, the outer diameters of the part adjacent to the first connecting part in the main body part and the first connecting part are different from each other; the outer diameter of each of the first end part and the first connecting part is smaller than the outer diameter of the part, adjacent to the first connecting part, in the main body part; the outer diameters of the part, adjacent to the second connecting part, of the main body part and the second end part are different; the wall thickness of each of the first end part and the first connecting part is smaller than the wall thickness of the main body part when viewed from the axial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connecting member for screwing a bolt portion of a towing hook, a joint between the connecting member and a connecting object, and an automobile component with the connecting member. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an eyebolt nut as a connecting member for screwing a bolt portion of a towing hook. The eyebolt nut has a cylindrical portion and an umbrella-shaped portion. The rear surface of the umbrella-shaped portion is joined to a mounting surface of an automobile component.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-099999 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] The present disclosure aims to provide a joint having a new structure in which a connecting member for screwing into a bolt portion of a towing hook is connected to an automobile component, an automobile component with a connecting member, and a connecting member having a new structure used therefor.

[0008] Means used to solve problems

[0009] The gist of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0010] <1>

[0011] A connecting component has a screw hole extending in an axial direction, and the connecting component includes: a main body extending in the above-mentioned axial direction; a first end on one side of the above-mentioned axial direction of the main body; a second end on the other side of the above-mentioned axial direction of the main body; a first connecting part connecting the above-mentioned main body with the above-mentioned first end; and a second connecting part connecting the above-mentioned main body with the above-mentioned second end; the above-mentioned screw hole is provided in at least one of the above-mentioned main body and the above-mentioned second end; in the above-mentioned axial direction, the outer diameters of a portion of the above-mentioned main body adjacent to the above-mentioned first connecting part and the above-mentioned first connecting part are different in value; the outer diameters of the above-mentioned first end and the above-mentioned first connecting part are smaller than the outer diameter of the portion of the above-mentioned main body adjacent to the above-mentioned first connecting part; the outer diameters of the portion of the above-mentioned main body adjacent to the above-mentioned second connecting part and the above-mentioned second end are different in value; the wall thickness of the above-mentioned first end and the above-mentioned first connecting part observed from the above-mentioned axial direction is thinner than the wall thickness of the above-mentioned main body.

[0012] <2> like <1> In the connecting member, the second end portion and the second connecting portion are each thicker than the first end portion and the first connecting portion.

[0013] <3> like <1> or <2> The connecting member has a larger outer diameter at a portion of the second end portion adjacent to the second connecting portion than an outer diameter of each of a portion of the main body portion adjacent to the second connecting portion and the second connecting portion in the axial direction.

[0014] <4> like <1> ~ <3> In the connecting component described in any one of the above-mentioned axial directions, compared with the outer diameter of the portion of the above-mentioned main body adjacent to the above-mentioned second connecting portion, the outer diameter of the portion of the above-mentioned second end portion adjacent to the above-mentioned second connecting portion and the outer diameter of each of the above-mentioned second connecting portion are smaller; and the wall thickness of each of the above-mentioned second end portion and the above-mentioned second connecting portion observed from the above-mentioned axial directions is thinner than the wall thickness of the above-mentioned main body.

[0015] <5> like <1> ~ <3> In any one of the connecting members, the shapes of the peripheral surfaces of the main body portion and the second connecting portion are uniform along the axial direction.

[0016] <6> like <1> ~ <5> According to any one of the connecting components, the above-mentioned main body portion has a through hole extending in the above-mentioned axial direction, namely, the main body through hole; the above-mentioned first end portion and the above-mentioned first connecting portion have a first through hole connected to the above-mentioned main body through hole in the above-mentioned axial direction; the minimum value of the diameter of the above-mentioned first through hole observed from the above-mentioned axial direction is larger than the maximum value of the diameter of the above-mentioned main body through hole; when the above-mentioned screw hole is provided on the above-mentioned main body portion, the above-mentioned main body through hole has a threaded portion.

[0017] <7> like <1> ~ <6> According to any one of the connecting components described in any one of the preceding claims, the main body portion has a through hole extending in the above-mentioned axial direction, namely, the main body through hole; the second end portion and the second connecting portion have a second through hole connected to the main body through hole in the above-mentioned axial direction; the minimum value of the diameter of the second through hole observed from the above-mentioned axial direction is larger than the maximum value of the diameter of the main body through hole; when the above-mentioned screw hole is provided on the above-mentioned main body portion, the main body through hole has a threaded portion; when the above-mentioned screw hole is provided on the above-mentioned second end portion, the second through hole has a threaded portion.

[0018] <8> A joint connector, comprising a joint object and a connecting member connected to the joint object, the joint object having a first plate portion and a second plate portion opposite to the first plate portion; the first plate portion having a first hole; the second plate portion having a second hole; the connecting member is a connecting member having a screw hole extending in an axial direction; the connecting member comprises: a main body portion extending in the axial direction; a first end portion on one side of the axial direction of the main body portion; a second end portion on the other side of the axial direction of the main body portion; a first connecting portion connecting the main body portion to the first end portion; and a second connecting portion connecting the main body portion to the second end portion; the screw hole is provided in at least one of the main body portion and the second end portion; the first end portion is arranged on one side of the axial direction relative to the first plate portion; The second end portion is arranged on the other side of the axial direction relative to the second plate portion; the first connecting portion is arranged inside the first hole; the second connecting portion is arranged inside the second hole; the main body portion is arranged between the first plate portion and the second plate portion; in the axial direction, the outer diameter of the first connecting portion is smaller than the outer diameter of a portion of the main body portion adjacent to the first connecting portion; the wall thickness of the first connecting portion is thinner than the wall thickness of a portion of the main body portion adjacent to the first connecting portion; the outer diameter of the first end portion is larger than the diameter of the first hole; the peripheral portion of the first hole of the first plate portion is clamped from both sides of the axial direction by the main body portion and the first end portion; the outer diameter of the second end portion is larger than the diameter of the second hole, and the peripheral portion of the second hole is supported by the second end portion.

[0019] <9> like <8> The described joint connector has an outer diameter of the second connecting portion that is smaller than an outer diameter of a portion of the main body that is adjacent to the second connecting portion; a wall thickness of the second connecting portion that is thinner than a wall thickness of a portion of the main body that is adjacent to the second connecting portion; an outer diameter of the second end portion that is larger than a diameter of the second hole; and a peripheral portion of the second hole of the second plate portion that is clamped from both axial sides by the main body portion and the second end portion.

[0020] <10> like <8> or <9> The described joint joint, the above-mentioned joining object is an automobile part; the above-mentioned automobile part is a closed cross-section structure formed by joining a first plate in a hat shape and a second plate in a roughly flat plate shape; the above-mentioned first plate has a top plate portion, a pair of longitudinal plate portions and a pair of flange portions; the above-mentioned second plate has an opposing portion opposite to the above-mentioned top plate portion and a pair of joining portions joined to the above-mentioned pair of flange portions; the above-mentioned top plate portion is the above-mentioned first plate portion; the above-mentioned opposing portion is the above-mentioned second plate portion; the plate thickness of the above-mentioned first plate is greater than the plate thickness of the above-mentioned second plate.

[0021] <11> like <8> ~ <10> In the joint connector described in any one of the above, the first hole has a polygonal shape.

[0022] <12> A method for manufacturing a joint joint, which is a method for manufacturing a joint joint formed by joining a joint object and a connecting component, wherein the joint object has a first plate portion and a second plate portion opposite to the first plate portion; the first plate portion has a first hole, and the second plate portion has a second hole; the connecting component comprises: a screw hole extending in an axial direction; a main body portion extending in the axial direction; a first end portion of the main body portion on one side of the axial direction; a second end portion of the main body portion on the other side of the axial direction; a first connecting portion connecting the main body portion to the first end portion; and a second connecting portion connecting the main body portion to the second end portion; The screw hole is provided on at least one of the main body and the second end; in the axial direction, the outer diameters of the portion of the main body adjacent to the first connecting portion and the first connecting portion are different; the outer diameters of the portion of the first end adjacent to the first connecting portion and the first connecting portion are smaller than the outer diameter of the portion of the main body adjacent to the first connecting portion; the outer diameters of the portion of the main body adjacent to the second connecting portion and the second end are different; the wall thickness of the first end and the first connecting portion observed from the axial direction is thicker than that of the main body. The wall thickness is thin; the manufacturing method includes a process of preparing the above-mentioned joining object and the above-mentioned connecting member, a first process, and a second process; in the above-mentioned first process, the following caulking preparation state is achieved: the above-mentioned first end portion is arranged on one side of the axial direction relative to the above-mentioned first plate portion; the above-mentioned second end portion is arranged on the other side of the axial direction relative to the above-mentioned second plate portion; the above-mentioned first connecting portion is arranged inside the above-mentioned first hole; the above-mentioned second connecting portion is arranged inside the above-mentioned second hole; the above-mentioned main body portion is arranged between the above-mentioned first plate portion and the above-mentioned second plate portion; the portion of the above-mentioned main body portion adjacent to the above-mentioned first connecting portion contacts from the other side of the axial direction to The peripheral portion of the above-mentioned first hole of the above-mentioned first plate portion; the portion of the above-mentioned second end portion adjacent to the above-mentioned second connecting portion contacts the peripheral portion of the above-mentioned second hole of the above-mentioned second plate portion from the other axial side, or the portion of the above-mentioned main body portion adjacent to the above-mentioned second connecting portion contacts the peripheral portion of the above-mentioned second hole of the above-mentioned second plate portion from one axial side; in the above-mentioned second step, the above-mentioned connecting component is electrically heated and pressurized from both axial sides in the above-mentioned caulking preparation state, so that the above-mentioned first end portion is deformed to form a deformed portion, and the peripheral portion of the above-mentioned first hole of the above-mentioned first plate portion is clamped from both axial sides through the above-mentioned main body portion and the above-mentioned deformed portion.

[0023] <13> like <12> The manufacturing method of the joint joint is as follows: for the above-mentioned connecting component, the outer diameter of the portion of the above-mentioned second end portion adjacent to the above-mentioned second connecting portion is larger than the outer diameters of the portion of the above-mentioned main body portion adjacent to the above-mentioned second connecting portion and the respective outer diameters of the above-mentioned second connecting portion; the outer diameter of the above-mentioned second end portion is larger than the diameter of the above-mentioned second hole; in the above-mentioned caulking preparation state, the portion of the above-mentioned second end portion adjacent to the above-mentioned second connecting portion contacts the peripheral portion of the above-mentioned second hole of the above-mentioned second plate portion from the other axial side.

[0024] <14> like <12> or <13> The manufacturing method of the joint joint is as follows: for the above-mentioned connecting component, the outer diameters of the portion adjacent to the above-mentioned second connecting portion in the above-mentioned second end portion and the second connecting portion are smaller than the outer diameter of the portion adjacent to the above-mentioned second connecting portion in the above-mentioned main body portion; the wall thickness of each of the above-mentioned second end portion and the above-mentioned second connecting portion observed from the above-mentioned axial direction is thinner than the wall thickness of the above-mentioned main body portion; in the above-mentioned caulking preparation state, the portion adjacent to the above-mentioned second connecting portion in the above-mentioned main body portion contacts the peripheral portion of the above-mentioned second hole of the above-mentioned second plate portion from one axial side; in the above-mentioned second step, the above-mentioned second end portion is deformed to form a second deformed portion by electrically heating and pressurizing the above-mentioned connecting component from both axial sides in the above-mentioned caulking preparation state, and the peripheral portion of the above-mentioned second hole of the above-mentioned second plate portion is clamped from both axial sides by the above-mentioned main body portion and the above-mentioned second deformed portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing a connecting member according to the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view showing a connecting member according to the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing an automobile component according to the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a fastening member is arranged on an automobile component (a caulking preparation state).

[0029] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a connecting member is joined to an automobile component (joined joint).

[0030] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a modified example of the first hole.

[0031] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a modification of the connecting member. Figure 4 The corresponding cross-sectional view.

[0032] Figure 8 is a modification of the joint Figure 5 The corresponding cross-sectional view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0034] First, use Figure 1 , Figure 2 etc. will describe preferred embodiments of the connecting member 10 .

[0035] The connecting member 10 is preferably connected to the automobile component 20 (see Figure 3 ) is used by joining. For example, the connecting member 10 is a connecting member (also called a towing nut) for screwing into a bolt portion of a towing hook (pintle hook) not shown. The towing hook is a hook for towing a car.

[0036] The connecting member 10 includes a shaft portion 11 , a flange portion 12 , and a caulked portion 13 .

[0037] The shaft portion 11 is cylindrical. A circular through hole 11A is formed in the shaft portion 11 to penetrate the shaft portion 11. Therefore, the shaft portion 11 can also be said to be cylindrical. The through hole 11A of the shaft portion 11 is a screw hole (not shown).

[0038] The flange portion 12 is arranged on the other axial side of the shaft portion 11. The flange portion 12 is a cylindrical shape formed on the same axis as the shaft portion 11. The outer diameter R2 of the flange portion 12 is larger than the outer diameter R1 of the shaft portion 11. A circular through hole 12A is formed in the flange portion 12 to penetrate the flange portion 12. Therefore, the flange portion 12 can also be said to be cylindrical. The through hole 12A of the flange portion 12 is formed on the same axis as the through hole 11A of the shaft portion 11 and is connected to the through hole 11A of the shaft portion 11. In the present embodiment, the through hole 12A of the flange portion 12 is not a screw hole, but it is not limited to this. The inner diameter r2 of the flange portion 12 is larger than the inner diameter r1 (maximum diameter, root diameter of the screw hole) of the shaft portion 11.

[0039] The caulking portion 13 is provided on one axial side of the shaft portion 11. The caulking portion 13 is a cylindrical shape formed on the same axis as the shaft portion 11. The outer diameter R3 of the caulking portion 13 is smaller than the outer diameter R1 of the shaft portion 11. A circular through hole 13A is formed in the caulking portion 13 to penetrate the caulking portion 13. Therefore, the caulking portion 13 can also be said to be cylindrical. The through hole 13A of the caulking portion 13 is formed on the same axis as the through hole 11A of the shaft portion 11 and is connected to the through hole 11A of the shaft portion 11. Therefore, the through hole 11A of the shaft portion 11, the through hole 12A of the flange portion 12, and the through hole 13A of the caulking portion 13 constitute through holes 11A, 12A, and 13A that penetrate the connecting member 10 in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the through hole 13A of the caulking portion 13 is not a screw hole, but is not limited to this. In this embodiment, the inner diameter r3 of the caulking portion 13 is larger than the inner diameter r1 (maximum diameter, valley diameter of the screw hole) of the shaft portion 11 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. The wall thickness ((R3-r3) / 2) of the caulking portion 13 is smaller than the wall thickness ((R1-r1) / 2) of the shaft portion 11 .

[0040] The entire connecting member 10 is formed integrally from the same material. The connecting member 10 is made of steel, for example.

[0041] A first end surface 14 is formed on one axial end surface of the shaft portion 11. When the coupling member 10 is viewed from one axial end surface, the first end surface 14 of the shaft portion 11 is a surface formed around the caulked portion 13 and extending in an annular shape.

[0042] A second end surface 15 is formed on one axial end surface of the flange portion 12. When the coupling member 10 is viewed from one axial end surface, the second end surface 15 of the flange portion 12 is a surface formed around the shaft portion 11 and extending in an annular shape.

[0043] (Automotive Parts 20)

[0044] The "joining object" in the present disclosure is preferably a member having a closed cross-sectional structure having two plate-like members facing each other. The caulking portion 13 of the connecting member 10 is caulked and joined to one of the two plate-like members, the flange portion 12 is supported by the other plate-like member, and the shaft portion 11 is fixed between the two plate-like members. Figure 3 , an automobile part 20 is used as a preferred embodiment of the "joining object" and is described as an example.

[0045] The automobile component 20 is, for example, a frame component (bumper reinforcement component) extending in the vehicle width direction at the front end or rear end of the automobile, but may also be other automobile components. For example, the automobile component 10 may also be a component for supporting a battery box mounted on the automobile. In this case, the connecting component 10 is used to connect the battery box.

[0046] The automobile component 20 includes a first component 21 and a second component 22. The first component 21 is in the shape of a hat. That is, the first component 21 has a top plate portion 21A, a pair of longitudinal plate portions 21B, and a pair of flange portions 21C. The second component 22 is in the shape of a substantially flat plate. The second component 22 has an opposing portion 22A opposing the top plate portion 21A, and a pair of joining portions 22B joined to the pair of flange portions 21C. Thus, the automobile component 20 becomes a closed cross-sectional structure extending in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of the figure as a longitudinal direction. In the example shown in the figure, the plate thickness of the second component 22 is smaller than the plate thickness of the first component 21. The first component 21 and the second component 22 are, for example, steel plates. One or both of the first component 21 and the second component 22 may be a high-strength steel plate of more than 1800 MPa, or may be a hot stamped steel plate. The automobile component 20, for example, is such that the second component 22 side ( Figure 3 The lower side of the vehicle is configured with its front-rear direction facing outward.

[0047] The first hole 23 is formed in the top plate portion 21A of the first member 21. The first hole 23 is circular. The diameter d1 of the first hole 23 is slightly larger than the outer diameter R3 of the caulking portion 13 and smaller than the outer diameter R1 of the shaft portion 11. Hereinafter, the top plate portion 21A of the first member 21 is sometimes referred to as the first plate portion 21A.

[0048] The second hole 24 is formed in the facing portion 22A of the second member 22. The second hole 24 is circular. The diameter d2 of the second hole 24 is slightly larger than the outer diameter R1 of the shaft portion 11 and smaller than the outer diameter R2 of the flange portion 12. Hereinafter, the facing portion 22A of the second member 22 is sometimes referred to as the second plate portion 22A.

[0049] (Joining method, manufacturing method)

[0050] Next, use Figure 4 , Figure 5 A method for joining the connecting member 10 , that is, a method for manufacturing the automobile component 30 with the connecting member (also referred to as a joint joint 30 ) will be described.

[0051] The method of joining the connecting member 10 generally follows the following procedure.

[0052] First step: The connecting member 10 is arranged at a predetermined position relative to the automobile component 20 (the caulking preparation state, see Figure 4 ).

[0053] Second step: A caulking step is performed in the caulking preparation state to obtain an automobile component 30 (joint joint 30) with a connecting member (refer to Figure 5 ).

[0054] In the first step, the connecting member 10 is inserted into the interior of the automobile component 20 from the second hole 24 side of the automobile component 20 with the caulking portion 13 side as the front. Specifically, the caulking portion 13 and the shaft portion 11 of the connecting member 10 are passed through the second hole 24 of the automobile component 20, and then the caulking portion 13 is passed through the first hole 23, so that the front end portion 13a of the caulking portion 13 protrudes from the first surface 21A1 of the first plate portion 21A. In addition, the first end surface 14 of the shaft portion 11 of the connecting member 10 is brought into contact with the second surface 21A2 of the top plate portion 21A.

[0055] If detailed Figure 4 The caulking preparation state shown is as follows.

[0056] The root 13b of the caulked portion 13 is disposed in the first hole 23. The portion other than the root 13b (the tip 13a) of the caulked portion 13 protrudes from the first hole 23 toward the first surface 21A1 of the first plate portion 21A and is located on the first surface 21A1 of the first plate portion 21A.

[0057] The first end surface 14 of the shaft portion 11 is in contact with the second surface 21A2 of the first plate portion 21A. The first end surface 14 of the shaft portion 11 is in contact with the peripheral edge portion of the first hole 23 of the first plate portion 21A.

[0058] The root portion 11b (the end portion on the other axial side) of the shaft portion 11 is disposed in the second hole 24. Most of the shaft portion 11 (the general portion 11a) other than the root portion 11b is located inside the automobile component 20. In other words, the general portion 11a of the shaft portion 11 is located between the first component 21 and the second component 22.

[0059] The flange portion 12 is located outside the automobile component 20. In other words, the flange portion 12 is arranged on the other axial side of the second component 22. The second end surface 15 of the flange portion 12 is in contact with or close to the second surface 22A2 of the second plate portion 22A. The second end surface 15 of the flange portion 12 is in contact with or close to the peripheral portion of the second hole 24 of the second plate portion 22A.

[0060] Hereinafter, the general portion 11a of the shaft portion 11 is sometimes referred to as the main body portion 11a, the front end portion 13a of the caulking portion 13 is sometimes referred to as the first end portion 13a, the root portion 13b of the caulking portion 13 is sometimes referred to as the first connecting portion 13b, the root portion 11b of the shaft portion 11 is sometimes referred to as the second connecting portion 11b, and the flange portion 12 is sometimes referred to as the second end portion 12.

[0061] If the structure of the connection member 10 is restated using these terms, it is as follows.

[0062] The main body 11a has a first end surface 14. The first end 13a constitutes an end on one axial side of the connecting member 10. The first connecting portion 13b connects the main body 11a and the first end 13a. The second end 12 constitutes an end on the other axial side of the connecting member 10. The second connecting portion 11b connects the main body 11a and the second end 12.

[0063] At least one of the main body portion 11 a and the second end portion 12 has a screw hole.

[0064] In the axial direction, the portion of the main body 11a adjacent to the first connecting portion 13b has a different outer diameter from that of the first connecting portion 13a. In addition, in the axial direction, the outer diameters of the first end portion 13a and the first connecting portion 13a are smaller than the outer diameter of the portion of the main body 11a adjacent to the first connecting portion 13b. With such a structure, in the caulking preparation state, the first end portion 13a is arranged on one side in the axial direction relative to the first plate portion 21A, and the portion of the main body 11a adjacent to the first connecting portion 13a contacts the peripheral portion of the first hole 23 of the first plate portion 21A from the other side in the axial direction.

[0065] Furthermore, in the axial direction, the portion of the main body 11a adjacent to the second connecting portion 11b has an outer diameter different from that of the second end portion 12. With such a structure, in the caulking preparation state, the portion of the second end portion 12 adjacent to the second connecting portion 11b can be in a state where it contacts the peripheral portion of the second hole 23 of the second plate portion 22A from the other axial side. Alternatively, the portion of the main body 11a adjacent to the second connecting portion 11b can be in a state where it contacts the peripheral portion of the second hole 23 of the second plate portion 22A from one axial side. That is, according to the present disclosure, in the caulking preparation state, the connecting member can be fixed in a state where it is supported in contact with both sides of the two plate-like members facing each other.

[0066] In the second process, a caulking process is performed in a caulking preparation state. The caulking process described here refers to a process of clamping the connecting component 10 from both sides of the axial direction with a pair of electrodes 40 and electrically heating and pressurizing it. This is because the caulking portion 13 is partially deformed by the implementation of the caulking process. Since the caulking portion 13 has a thinner wall thickness (smaller cross-sectional area) than the shaft portion 11 and the flange portion 12, the original bearing capacity is small, and it is also locally heated and softened by the energization. Specifically, if the connecting component 10 is electrically heated in the axial direction, the current density in the caulking portion 13, which has a thinner wall thickness than the shaft portion 11, becomes higher than that in the shaft portion 11. As a result, the caulking portion 13 is effectively heated and softened earlier than other areas. With such a structure, the caulking portion 13 can be deformed in a short time. Here, the wall thickness of the caulking portion 13 is (R3-r3) / 2, the wall thickness of the shaft portion 11 is (R1-r1) / 2, and the wall thickness of the flange portion 12 is (R2-r2) / 2. Figure 2 As shown, R3 is the outer diameter of the caulking portion 13, r3 is the inner diameter of the caulking portion 13, R1 is the outer diameter of the shaft portion 11, and r1 is the inner diameter (maximum diameter) of the shaft portion. The wall thickness of the caulking portion 13 is preferably less than 80% of the wall thickness of the shaft portion 11. In the case where the outer diameter or inner diameter is uneven in the axial direction, the wall thickness is defined as the maximum value. For example, in the case where the inner diameter r3 of the caulking portion 13 is uneven, (R3-r3min) / 2 is regarded as the wall thickness of the caulking portion 13. If this value is smaller than the wall thickness of the shaft portion 11 and the flange portion 12, caulking can be performed appropriately. In the following, sometimes Figure 5 The caulking portion 13 after deformation shown is referred to as a deformation portion 13 .

[0067] In addition, the material of the electrode can be, for example, chromium copper, alumina dispersed copper, beryllium copper, but is not limited to these, and a wide range of electrode materials for resistance welding can also be used. The outer diameter of the electrode only needs to be greater than the outer diameter of the caulking portion 13, preferably greater than the outer diameter of the flange portion 12. The shape of the front end of the electrode can be either flat or R-shaped. In the latter case, if the electrode radius is too small, it is easy to generate temperature distribution in the radial direction of the pull nut, so the electrode radius is preferably greater than 100 mm.

[0068] Figure 5 An automotive component 30 with a connected component (joint joint 30) is shown.

[0069] If the caulking portion 13 before deformation (refer to Figure 4 ) as a reference, the first end portion 13a is deformed in a manner of expanding radially outward and also inward. The first connecting portion 13b is located inside the first hole 23, and is deformed in a manner of expanding radially inward while being suppressed from expanding radially outward by the first plate portion 21A.

[0070] In the deformed caulking portion 13, the outer diameter R3a of the first end portion 13a is larger than the outer diameter R3 of the caulking portion 13 before deformation, and larger than the diameter d1 of the first hole 23. Thus, the peripheral edge of the first hole 23 of the first plate portion 21A is sandwiched between the main body portion 11a and the deformed caulking portion 13 (first end portion 13a).

[0071] The inner diameter r3 a of the caulked portion 13 after deformation is, for example, smaller than the inner diameter r3 of the caulked portion 13 before deformation, and larger than the inner diameter r1 (maximum diameter) of the shaft portion 11 .

[0072] <Effects>

[0073] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0074] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown in the figures, the connection member 10 of the present embodiment comprises: a main body 11a, in which a screw hole (through hole 11A) extending in the axial direction is formed; a first end 13a, which constitutes an end on one axial side of the connection member 10; a second end 12, which constitutes an end on the other axial side of the connection member 10; a first connection portion 13b, which connects the main body 11a and the first end 13a; and a second connection portion 11b, which connects the main body 11a and the second end 12. In addition, a first end surface 14 facing the axial side is formed on the end surface on one axial side of the main body 11a.

[0075] Therefore, by arranging the connecting member 10 with respect to the joining object 20, a predetermined arrangement state (a caulking preparation state, see Figure 4 The prescribed configuration state (caulking preparation state) described here refers to a state in which the first end portion 13a is configured on one axial side relative to the first plate portion 21A, the second end portion 12 is configured on the other axial side relative to the second plate portion 22A, and the first end surface 14 contacts the peripheral portion of the first hole 23 of the first plate portion 21A from the other axial side.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the first end portion 13 a and the first connecting portion 13 b are configured to be caulked by a caulking process in which the connecting member 10 is sandwiched from both sides in the axial direction by a pair of electrodes 40 and electrically heated and pressurized.

[0077] Therefore, by preparing the caulking (refer to Figure 4 ) is performed under the caulking process, the first end portion 13a and the first connecting portion 13b are caulked to form the deformation portion 13 (refer to Figure 5), the main body 11a and the first end 13a of the deformable portion 13 can sandwich the peripheral edge of the first hole 23 of the first plate portion 21A from both sides in the axial direction. Thus, the connecting member 10 is joined to the joining object 20.

[0078] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 5 As shown, the second end portion 12 and the second connecting portion 11b are configured so as not to be deformed even through the caulking process. Figure 7 , Figure 8 ) compared, the joining process is easier.

[0079] In addition, such a structure can be achieved by making the wall thickness of the second end portion 12 and the second connecting portion 11b as viewed from the axial direction thicker than the wall thickness of the caulking portion 13 (increasing the cross-sectional area). If the connecting component 10 is electrically heated in the axial direction, the current density of the caulking portion 13, which has a thinner wall thickness than the second end portion 12 and the second connecting portion 11b, becomes higher than that of the second end portion 12 and the second connecting portion 11b. As a result, the caulking portion 13 is effectively heated and softened earlier than other areas. With such a structure, the deformation of the caulking portion 13 and the caulking performed thereby are completed before the second end portion 12 and the second connecting portion 11b soften and deform.

[0080] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown, the main body 11a is configured to be able to pass through the second hole 24 formed in the joining object 20. Therefore, the connecting member 10 can be arranged with respect to the automobile component 20 in a state where the first component 21 and the second component 22 constituting the automobile component 20 are joined.

[0081] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, the shapes of the peripheral surfaces 11S of the main body 11a and the second connecting portion 11b are uniform in the axial direction. Therefore, in the form in which the main body 11a passes through the second hole 24 and the second connecting portion 11b is arranged in the second hole 24, it is easy to ensure the endurance of the main body 11a and the second connecting portion 11b. "The shapes of the peripheral surfaces 11S of the main body 11a and the second connecting portion 11b are uniform in the axial direction" means, for example, that the outer diameters of the main body 11a and the second connecting portion 11b are constant in the axial direction.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if Figure 2As shown, the outer diameter R2 of the second end portion 12 is larger than the outer diameter R1 of the main body portion 11a and the second connecting portion 11b. The value of r2 is selected so that the cross-sectional area (wall thickness observed from the axial direction) of the second end portion is larger than the cross-sectional area (wall thickness observed from the axial direction) of the main body portion and the second connecting portion, and the value of r2 is greater than r1. With this structure, deformation of the second end portion 12 due to the caulking process can be suppressed.

[0083] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown, the first connecting portion 13b and the first end portion 13a are formed into a cylindrical shape. Therefore, compared with a form that is not formed into a cylindrical shape, the first connecting portion 13b and the first end portion 13a are properly caulked, and the bonding reliability is improved. Here, the form that is not formed into a cylindrical shape refers to a columnar shape without a through hole.

[0084] In this embodiment, through holes 11A, 12A, 13A are formed to axially penetrate the first end portion 13a, the first connecting portion 13b, the main body 11a, the second connecting portion 11b, and the second end portion 12. Therefore, the connecting member 10 can be easily manufactured using a lathe or the like.

[0085] In this embodiment, the screw holes are formed not only in the portion corresponding to the main body 11a but also in the portion corresponding to the second connection portion 11b in the through holes 11A, 12A, and 13A. Therefore, the portion where the screw holes are formed can be lengthened, and the connection strength with the bolt can be ensured accordingly.

[0086] In addition, if the inner diameter of the first connecting portion 13b (the average value when it is not constant) is larger than the inner diameter of the first end portion 13a (the average value when it is not constant), the deformation amount of the first connecting portion 13b (the root 13b of the caulking portion 13) and the portion of the first end portion 13a adjacent to the first connecting portion 13b is likely to be reduced. If the deformation amount of the first connecting portion 13b and the portion of the first end portion 13a adjacent to the first connecting portion 13b is small, there is a possibility that the peripheral portion of the first hole 23 of the first plate portion 21A is not properly clamped by the main body portion 11a and the deformed caulking portion 13. In other words, there is a possibility that the deformed portion 13 does not have an appropriate shape.

[0087] Therefore, in this embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, the inner diameter r3 of the first connection portion 13b is constant along the axial direction, and the inner diameter r3 of the first end portion 13a is constant along the axial direction, and the inner diameter r3 of the first connection portion 13b is the same as the inner diameter r3 of the first end portion 13a.

[0088] Therefore, compared with the form in which the inner diameter of the first connecting portion 13b (the average value when it is not constant) is larger than the inner diameter of the first end portion 13a (the average value when it is not constant), the first connecting portion 13b (the root 13b of the caulking portion 13) can be fully deformed, and a deformed portion 13 of an appropriate shape can be obtained.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the minimum value r3 (in this embodiment, a constant value) of the inner diameter r3 of the first connecting portion 13b and the first end portion 13a in the axial direction is larger than the maximum diameter r1 of the screw hole (through hole 11A). Therefore, the deformation portion 13 (see FIG. 11A ) that deforms in a manner that expands radially inward when viewed from the axial direction is suppressed. Figure 5 ) overlaps with the screw hole 11A. This is particularly preferred when the bolt portion of the traction hook is screwed in from one axial side. In addition, the difference between the two (r1 and r3) is preferably 1 mm or more, and more preferably 5 mm or more.

[0090] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, the inner diameter r2 of the second end portion 12 is larger than the inner diameter r1 of the main body portion 11a and the second connecting portion 11b, and the outer diameter R2 of the second end portion 12 is larger than the outer diameter R1 of the main body portion 11a and the second connecting portion 11b.

[0091] The inner diameter r2 of the second end portion 12 is larger than the inner diameter r1 of the main body portion 11a and the second connecting portion 11b, thereby preventing the deformed second end portion 12 from overlapping the screw hole 11A when viewed from the axial direction even if the second end portion 12 is slightly deformed by the caulking process. Furthermore, by selecting the value of r2 to be greater than r1, the outer diameter R2 of the second end portion 12 is larger than the outer diameter R1 of the main body portion 11a and the second connecting portion 11b, and the cross-sectional area (wall thickness viewed from the axial direction) of the second end portion is larger than the cross-sectional area (wall thickness viewed from the axial direction) of the main body portion and the second connecting portion, thereby preventing the second end portion 12 from being deformed by the caulking process.

[0092] Furthermore, by increasing the outer diameter R2 of the second end portion 12 to form the flange portion 12, the flange portion 12 can be brought into contact with the second surface 22A2 of the second plate portion 22A, thereby suppressing the inclination of the connecting member 10. This structure is particularly effective when the difference between R1 and R3 is small.

[0093] Furthermore, in the joint joint of the present embodiment, Figure 5As shown, the first end surface 14 of the main body 11a contacts the peripheral edge of the first hole 23 of the first plate 21A from the other axial side. Furthermore, the first end 13a and the first connecting portion 13b become the deformed portion 13, and the main body 11a and the deformed portion 13 are in a state of sandwiching the peripheral edge of the first hole 23 of the first plate 21A from both axial sides.

[0094] Therefore, the joining object 20 and the connecting member 10 are properly joined. In addition, whether a part of a specific joint corresponds to the "deformation portion 13" (the caulking portion 13 that has been deformed by being pressurized) can be confirmed by, for example, comparing the composition of the part and the main body 11a by cross-sectional observation. In addition, it can be confirmed by comparing the hardness of the part with that of the main body 11a. In this case, the composition and hardness of the main body 11a are preferably measured from the axial center. For example, the measuring load can be set to be more than 1kgf, and the average values ​​when more than 5 points are measured on the main body 11a and the caulking portion 13 are compared, and the difference is confirmed by whether it is HV10 or more.

[0095] Furthermore, in the joint joint of the present embodiment, Figure 5 As shown, since the second connection portion 11 b of the connection member 10 is arranged in the second hole 24 of the second plate portion 22A, the connection member 10 is prevented from tilting around the joint portion with the first plate portion 21A.

[0096] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, the plate thickness of the first member 21 is greater than the plate thickness of the second member 22. Since the plate thickness of the hat-shaped first member 21 is greater than the plate thickness of the second member 22, the strength of the automobile member 20 can be effectively improved. In addition, since the connecting member 10 is caulked to the first member 21 having a larger plate thickness, it is easier to ensure the bonding strength than when it is caulked to the second member 22 having a smaller plate thickness.

[0097] (Supplementary explanation)

[0098] In the above, the connecting member, the joint joint, and the automobile component with the connecting member of the present disclosure have been described using the embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the first hole 23 and the second hole 24 are described assuming that they are circular in shape, but the shapes of the first hole and the second hole of the present disclosure may not be circular. Figure 6As shown, the shape of the first hole 23 may also be a hexagon. As a result, the cylindrical caulking portion 13 (especially the root portion 13b) is deformed to conform to the hexagonal shape of the first hole 23, and as a result, the rotation of the connecting component 10 relative to the automobile component 20 around the axis is further suppressed. In this case, as long as the diameter of the circle inscribed in the hexagon formed by the first hole 23 is considered as the diameter d1 of the first hole 23, the diameter d1 of the first hole 23 is made the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter R3 of the caulking portion 13.

[0100] In addition, the shape of the first hole 23 used to obtain such an effect is not limited to a hexagon, and can also be a polygon other than a hexagon (e.g., an octagon). In addition, the shape of the first hole 23 can also be a shape other than a polygon (a shape that inhibits the rotation of the connecting member 10 relative to the object 20 around the axial direction).

[0101] Furthermore, when the shape of the first hole 23 is a shape other than a circle, the shape of the caulked portion 13 (the shape viewed from the axial direction) may be changed to a shape similar to the shape of the first hole 23 .

[0102] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is described in which the shaft portion 11, the flange portion 12 and the caulking portion 13 are all cylindrical. In other words, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is described in which the main body 11a, the first end portion 13a, the second end portion 12, the first connecting portion 13b and the second connecting portion 11b are all cylindrical. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The main body 11a, the first end portion 13a, the second end portion 12, the first connecting portion 13b and the second connecting portion 11b can also be changed to a hexagonal prism shape or a prism shape other than it. In addition, for example, in the case where the main body 11a is in the shape of a polygonal prism, the diameter of the circle circumscribed to the polygon can be considered as the outer diameter of the main body 11a.

[0103] In addition, the dimensions and the like of the connecting member 10 and the automobile component 20 described in the above embodiment are not particularly limited. However, the dimensions and the like shown below are preferred.

[0104] The bolt portion that can be screwed into the screw hole formed in the connection member 10 is, for example, M10 to M30. The thread cutting pitch of the screw hole formed in the connection member 10 is, for example, 1.5 to 3.0 mm.

[0105] The thickness ((R1-r1) / 2) of the shaft portion 11 is preferably 3 to 20 mm, and more preferably 5 to 15 mm. The axial dimension of the shaft portion 11 is, for example, 30 to 200 mm.

[0106] The inner diameter of the flange 12 is preferably greater than the inner diameter r1 of the shaft 11, for example, 0.5 mm greater than the inner diameter of the shaft. In consideration of the mounting margin, the outer diameter of the flange 12 is preferably greater than the outer diameter R1 of the shaft 11 by 2 mm or more. The axial dimension of the flange 12 is, for example, 2 to 10 mm.

[0107] The wall thickness (R3-r3) / 2) of the caulking portion 13 is, for example, 2 to 10 mm. The axial dimension of the caulking portion 13 is not particularly limited, but if it is too short, the deformed portion 13 (see Figure 5 ) is not good in shape, and if it is too long, the shape of the deformed portion 13 is unstable. If the length of the caulking portion 13 is H and the wall thickness is T, H / T is preferably in the range of 2 to 10, and more preferably in the range of 3 to 6.

[0108] Furthermore, as described in the above embodiment, the inner diameter r2 of the flange portion 12 (second end portion 12) is preferably equal to or larger than the inner diameter r1 of the shaft portion 11. However, in the case of a configuration in which the towing hook is screwed in from one axial side, the inner diameter r2 of the flange portion 12 (second end portion 12) may be smaller than the inner diameter r1 of the shaft portion 11. Furthermore, the through hole 12A may not be formed in the second end portion 12.

[0109] In addition, in the above embodiment, the outer diameter R2 of the flange portion 12 (second end portion 12) is larger than the outer diameter R1 of the shaft portion 11, but the second end portion of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the outer diameter R2 of the second end portion 12 may be the same as the outer diameter R1 of the shaft portion 11. In this case, the second end portion 12 is no longer referred to as the flange portion 12.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the connection member 10 is made of steel has been described, but the connection member of the present disclosure may be made of metal other than steel.

[0111] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example in which the caulking portion 13 is formed into a cylindrical shape (i.e., an example in which the through hole 13A is formed in the first end portion 13a and the first connecting portion 13b) is described, but the first end portion and the first connecting portion of the present disclosure are not limited to this. For example, the first end portion may be formed into a cylindrical shape, while the first connecting portion is not formed into a cylindrical shape. In addition, for example, both the first end portion and the second connecting portion may not be formed into a cylindrical shape.

[0112] In addition, even if the caulking portion 13 is formed into a cylindrical shape, it may not be a complete cylindrical shape. Here, the complete cylindrical shape refers to a cylindrical shape in which no slits or holes are formed in a part of the circumference. That is, the "cylindrical shape" disclosed in the present invention includes a shape in which a slit or hole is formed in a part of the circumference.

[0113] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example is described in which the entire through hole 11A of the shaft portion 11 is a screw hole (i.e., the entire portion of the through holes 11A, 12A, and 13A corresponding to the main body portion 11a and the second connecting portion 11b is a screw hole), but the screw hole of the present disclosure is not limited to this. A portion of the through hole 11A of the shaft portion 11 may also be a screw hole.

[0114] Furthermore, the screw hole (thread cutting) may not be formed in the through hole 11A of the shaft portion 11, but may be formed only in the through hole 12A of the flange portion 12. Furthermore, the screw hole (thread cutting) may be formed in at least one of the body portion, the second connection portion, and the second end portion.

[0115] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example is described in which the inner diameter r3 of the cylindrical caulking portion 13 is constant along the axial direction, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The inner diameter r3 of the cylindrical caulking portion 13 may also increase as it moves toward one side in the axial direction. In this case, it is possible to suppress the caulking portion 13 from deforming in a manner that expands radially inward.

[0116] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is described in which the connecting member 10 is inserted from the second hole 24 side to the joining object (automotive member 20) whose relative position relative to the first plate portion 21A and the second plate portion 22A is fixed to form a structure capable of achieving the caulking preparation state. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The caulking preparation state can also be achieved by first configuring the connecting member 10 on the first member 21 and then configuring the second member 22. In this case, it is also possible to Figure 7 , Figure 8 As in the illustrated connecting member 110 , the connecting member 110 is structured such that portions on both sides in the axial direction are caulked.

[0117] Figure 7 The connecting member 110 shown has a shaft 111, a caulking portion 13 provided on one axial side of the shaft 111, and a caulking portion 13 provided on the other axial side of the shaft 111. Regarding other structures, structures having the same functions and effects as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are given the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0118] In this example, the entire shaft 111 corresponds to the "main body", the front end 13a of the caulking portion 13 on one side corresponds to the "first end", the root 13b of the caulking portion 13 on one side corresponds to the "first connecting portion", the front end 13a of the caulking portion 13 on the other side corresponds to the "second end", and the root 13b of the caulking portion 13 on the other side corresponds to the "second connecting portion". Therefore, such a connecting member 110 is also included in the above-mentioned <1> In the connecting part of the shape.

[0119] In this example, not only the first end portion 13a and the first connecting portion 13b but also the second end portion 13a and the second connecting portion 13b are caulked by the caulking process. Figure 7 As shown, in this example, the shape of the peripheral surface of the shaft portion 111 (main body) is uneven along the axial direction. The main body of the present disclosure also includes a main body of such a shape. "The shape of the peripheral surface of the shaft portion 111 (main body) is uniform along the axial direction" means, for example, that the outer diameter of the shaft portion 111 (main body) is constant in the axial direction.

[0120] In the above embodiment, an example is described in which the internal space (through hole 13A) of the cylindrical caulking portion 13 is connected to the screw hole (through hole 11A), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The screw hole may be open only on the other axial side.

[0121] In addition, in the above embodiment, since arc welding is not used in joining the connecting member 10 to the automobile member 20, the time required for joining can be greatly shortened compared to the case of using arc welding. Furthermore, the problem of breakage during a car collision due to welding defects can be avoided.

[0122] However, the joint joint of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, the second connecting portion and the second plate portion of the connecting member may be joined by arc welding.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the automobile component 20 as the joining object has a closed cross-sectional structure has been described, but the joining object and automobile component of the present disclosure are not limited to the closed cross-sectional structure.

[0124] In the above embodiment, the through hole 13A of the crimping portion 13 is not a screw hole, but may be a screw hole. In this case, it is possible to suppress the crimping portion 13 from swelling inward after deformation.

[0125] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, no thread cutting is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the caulking portion 13. No thread cutting is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the caulking portion 13, so that the bulging of the caulking portion 13 after deformation to the outside can be promoted compared with the case where thread cutting is formed. As a result, the peripheral edge portion of the first hole 23 of the first plate portion 21A can be clamped from both sides of the axial direction by the deformed caulking portion 13 and the main body 11.

[0126] In the above embodiment, an example is described in which the peripheral edge portion of the first hole 23 of the first plate portion 21A is sandwiched between the first end surface 14 of the main body portion 11a and the deformed caulking portion 13 (see Figure 5However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the peripheral edge portion of the first hole 23 of the first plate portion 21A only needs to be sandwiched by the main body portion 11a and the deformed caulking portion 13. That is, the main body portion 11a does not necessarily need to have a planar first end surface 14.

[0127] In the above embodiment, the shaft 11, flange 12, and caulking portion 13 are cylindrical in shape. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the shaft, flange, or caulking portion may be a polygonal column in shape.

[0128] In the above embodiment, the inner diameter of the caulking portion 13 is constant along the axial direction. However, for example, the inner diameter of the caulking portion 13 may gradually increase toward one side in the axial direction. As a result, the wall thickness of the caulking portion 13 may gradually decrease toward one side in the axial direction.

[0129] (Note)

[0130] In addition to the above, the following contents are also disclosed.

[0131] <1> A connecting component is used to screw into a bolt portion of a towing hook, the connecting component comprising: a main body portion, formed with a screw hole extending in the axial direction; a first end portion, constituting an end portion on one axial side of the connecting component; a second end portion, constituting an end portion on the other axial side of the connecting component; a first connecting portion connecting the main body portion with the first end portion; and a second connecting portion connecting the main body portion with the second end portion; a first end surface facing the axial side is formed on an end surface on one axial side of the main body portion; the outer diameters of the first end portion and the first connecting portion are smaller than the outer diameter of the main body portion, and the wall thicknesses of the first end portion and the first connecting portion are thinner than the wall thickness of the main body portion.

[0132] <2> like <1> In the connecting member, the second end portion and the second connecting portion have a thicker wall thickness than the first end portion and the first connecting portion.

[0133] <3> like <1> or <2> In the connecting member, the outer diameter of the second end portion is larger than the outer diameters of the main body portion and the second connecting portion.

[0134] <4> like <1> ~ <3> In any one of the connecting members, the shape of the peripheral surface of the main body portion is uniform along the axial direction.

[0135] <5> like <1> ~ <3> In any one of the connecting components, the shape of the peripheral surface of the main body portion is uniform along the axial direction; and the outer diameter of the second end portion is larger than the outer diameter of the main body portion.

[0136] <6> like <1> ~ <5> In any one of the connecting members, the first connecting portion and the first end portion are formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0137] <7> like <1> ~ <6> The connecting component described in any one of the above is formed with a through hole, which penetrates the above-mentioned first end part, the above-mentioned first connecting part, the above-mentioned main body part, the above-mentioned second connecting part and the above-mentioned second end part in the axial direction; the above-mentioned screw hole is formed in the part of the above-mentioned through hole corresponding to the above-mentioned main body part.

[0138] <8> like <7> In the connecting member, the screw hole is also formed in a portion of the through hole corresponding to the second connecting portion.

[0139] <9> like <6> ~ <8> In any one of the connecting components, the inner diameter of the first connecting portion is constant along the axial direction; the inner diameter of the first end portion is constant along the axial direction; and the inner diameter of the connecting portion is the same as the inner diameter of the first end portion.

[0140] <10> like <7> ~ <9> In the connecting member described in any one of the above, the minimum value of the inner diameter of the first connecting portion and the first end portion in the axial direction is larger than the maximum diameter of the screw hole.

[0141] <11> like <7> ~ <10> In any one of the connecting members, the inner diameter of the second end portion is larger than the inner diameter of the main body portion; and the outer diameter of the second end portion is larger than the outer diameter of the main body portion.

[0142] <12> A joint connector, comprising a joint object and a connecting member connected to the joint object, wherein the joint object comprises a first plate portion and a second plate portion opposite to the first plate portion; a first hole is formed in the first plate portion, and a second hole is formed in the second plate portion; the connecting member comprises: a main body portion, formed with a screw hole extending in the axial direction; a first end portion constituting an end portion on one axial side of the connecting member; a second end portion constituting an end portion on the other axial side of the connecting member; a first connecting portion connecting the main body portion to the first end portion; and a second connecting portion connecting the main body portion to the first end portion. The above-mentioned main body is connected to the above-mentioned second end part; a first end face facing the axial side is formed on the end face of the above-mentioned main body on one axial side; the above-mentioned first end part is arranged on one axial side relative to the above-mentioned first plate part; the above-mentioned second end part is arranged on the other axial side relative to the above-mentioned second plate part; the above-mentioned first end face contacts the peripheral portion of the above-mentioned first hole of the above-mentioned first plate part from the other axial side; the above-mentioned first end part and the above-mentioned first connecting part become deformed portions after caulking; the above-mentioned main body and the above-mentioned deformed portion are in a state of sandwiching the peripheral portion of the above-mentioned first hole of the above-mentioned first plate part from both axial sides.

[0143] <13> like <12> In the joint connector, the first hole is circular.

[0144] <14> like <12> In the joint connector, the shape of the first hole is a polygon.

[0145] <15> An automobile component with a connecting component, having <12> ~ <14> A joining joint as described in any one of the above.

[0146] <16> like <15> The automobile component with a connecting part is an automobile component with a closed cross-section structure formed by joining a first plate in a hat shape and a second plate in a roughly flat plate shape; the first plate has a top plate portion, a pair of longitudinal plate portions and a pair of flange portions; the second plate has an opposing portion opposite to the top plate portion, and a pair of joining portions joined to the pair of flange portions; the top plate portion is the first plate portion; the opposing portion is the second plate portion; the thickness of the first plate is greater than the thickness of the second plate.

[0147] <17> A method for manufacturing a joint, a method for manufacturing a joint joint formed by joining a joint object and a connecting component, wherein the joint object has a first plate portion and a second plate portion opposite to the first plate portion; a first hole is formed in the first plate portion, and a second hole is formed in the second plate portion; the connecting component comprises: a main body portion, formed with a screw hole extending in the axial direction; a first end portion constituting an end portion on one axial side of the connecting component; a second end portion constituting an end portion on the other axial side of the connecting component; a first connecting portion connecting the main body portion with the first end portion; and a second connecting portion connecting the main body portion with the second end portion; a threaded hole facing the axial side is formed on an end face on one axial side of the main body portion. the first end face of the joint; the manufacturing method comprises a first step and a second step; in the first step, the joint is in a caulking preparation state, in which the first end portion is arranged on one axial side relative to the first plate portion, the second end portion is arranged on the other axial side relative to the second plate portion, and the first end face contacts the peripheral portion of the first hole of the first plate portion from the other axial side; in the second step, the connecting member is pressurized from both axial sides in the caulking preparation state to deform the first end portion and the first connecting portion to form a deformed portion, so that the main body portion and the deformed portion are clamped into the peripheral portion of the first hole of the first plate portion from both axial sides.

[0148] The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-115114 filed on July 19, 2022 is incorporated into this specification by reference.

[0149] Description of symbols

[0150] 10 Connecting member; 11A, 12A, 13A through holes; 11 Shaft; 11A Through hole (screw hole) of shaft; 11a General part (main body) of shaft; 11b Root part (second connecting part) of shaft; 12 Flange part (second end part); 12A Through hole of flange part; 13 Caulking part, deformation part; 13A Through hole of caulking part; 13a Front end part (first end part) of caulking part; 13b Root part (first connecting part) of caulking part; 14 First end face; 15 Second end face; 20 Automobile part (joining object); 21 First part; 21A 1 first surface; 21A 2 second surface; 21A top plate portion (first plate portion); 21B longitudinal plate portion; 21C flange portion; 22 second component; 22A opposing portion (second plate portion); 22B joining portion; 23 first hole; 24 second hole; 30 automobile component with connecting component; 40 electrode; R1 outer diameter of shaft portion; R2 outer diameter of flange portion; R3 outer diameter of caulking portion; R3a outer diameter of deformation portion; d1 diameter of first hole; d2 diameter of second hole; r1 inner diameter of shaft portion; r2 inner diameter of flange portion; r3 inner diameter of caulking portion; r3a inner diameter of deformation portion.

Claims

1. A connecting member having a screw hole extending in the axial direction, have: A main body extending in the axial direction; A first end portion of the main body portion on one side of the axial direction; A second end portion of the main body portion on the other side of the axial direction; A first connecting portion connecting the main body portion and the first end portion; and A second connecting portion connects the main body portion and the second end portion. The screw hole is provided in at least one of the main body and the second end. In the above-mentioned axial direction, The outer diameters of a portion of the main body adjacent to the first connecting portion and the first connecting portion are different values; The first end portion and the first connecting portion each have an outer diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of a portion of the main body portion adjacent to the first connecting portion; The outer diameters of a portion of the main body adjacent to the second connecting portion and the second end portion are different values; The thickness of each of the first end portion and the first connecting portion as viewed in the axial direction is thinner than the thickness of the main body portion.

2. The connecting member according to claim 1, The second end portion and the second connection portion each have a thicker wall thickness than the first end portion and the first connection portion each have a thicker wall thickness.

3. The connecting member according to claim 1 or 2, In the axial direction, an outer diameter of a portion of the second end portion adjacent to the second connection portion is larger than an outer diameter of each of a portion of the main body portion adjacent to the second connection portion and the second connection portion.

4. The connecting member according to claim 1, In the axial direction, the outer diameters of the portion of the second end portion adjacent to the second connecting portion and the second connecting portion are smaller than the outer diameter of the portion of the main body portion adjacent to the second connecting portion. The thickness of each of the second end portion and the second connecting portion as viewed in the axial direction is thinner than the thickness of the main body portion.

5. The connecting member according to claim 1 or 2, The shapes of the peripheral surfaces of the main body portion and the second connection portion are uniform along the axial direction.

6. The connecting member according to claim 1 or 2, The main body has a through hole extending in the axial direction, namely, a main body through hole. The first end portion and the first connecting portion have a first through hole communicating with the main body through hole in the axial direction. The minimum value of the diameter of the first through hole as viewed from the axial direction is larger than the maximum value of the diameter of the main body through hole. When the main body has the screw hole, the main body through-hole has a threaded portion.

7. The connecting member according to claim 1 or 2, The main body has a through hole extending in the axial direction, namely, a main body through hole. The second end portion and the second connecting portion have a second through hole communicating with the main body through hole in the axial direction. The minimum value of the diameter of the second through hole as viewed from the axial direction is larger than the maximum value of the diameter of the main body through hole. In the case where the main body has the screw hole, the main body through hole has a threaded portion. When the second end portion has the screw hole, the second through hole has a threaded portion.

8. A joint connector comprising a joining object and a connecting member joined to the joining object, The object to be joined includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion facing the first plate portion. The first plate portion has a first hole, The second plate portion has a second hole, The connecting member has a screw hole extending in the axial direction. The connecting component has: A main body extending in the axial direction; A first end portion of the main body portion on one side of the axial direction; A second end portion of the main body portion on the other side of the axial direction; A first connecting portion connecting the main body portion and the first end portion; and A second connecting portion connects the main body portion and the second end portion. The screw hole is provided in at least one of the main body and the second end. The first end portion is arranged on one side in the axial direction relative to the first plate portion. The second end portion is arranged on the other axial side relative to the second plate portion. The first connecting portion is arranged inside the first hole. The second connecting portion is arranged inside the second hole. The main body is disposed between the first plate and the second plate. In the above-mentioned axial direction, The outer diameter of the first connecting portion is smaller than the outer diameter of a portion of the main body adjacent to the first connecting portion; The wall thickness of the first connecting portion is thinner than the wall thickness of a portion of the main body adjacent to the first connecting portion; The outer diameter of the first end portion is larger than the diameter of the first hole; The main body and the first end portion clamp the peripheral edge of the first hole of the first plate portion from both sides in the axial direction; The outer diameter of the second end portion is larger than the diameter of the second hole, and the peripheral edge portion of the second hole is supported by the second end portion.

9. The joint connector according to claim 8, The outer diameter of the second connecting portion is smaller than the outer diameter of a portion of the main body adjacent to the second connecting portion. The wall thickness of the second connecting portion is thinner than the wall thickness of a portion of the main body adjacent to the second connecting portion. The outer diameter of the second end portion is larger than the diameter of the second hole. The peripheral edge portion of the second hole of the second plate portion is sandwiched from both sides in the axial direction by the main body portion and the second end portion.

10. A joint connector according to claim 8 or 9, The above-mentioned objects to be joined are automobile parts, The automobile component is a closed cross-sectional structure formed by joining a first plate in a hat shape and a second plate in a substantially flat plate shape. The first plate has a top plate portion, a pair of vertical plate portions and a pair of flange portions. The second plate has an opposing portion opposed to the top plate portion and a pair of joint portions joined to the pair of flange portions. The top plate portion is the first plate portion. The opposing portion is the second plate portion. The first plate has a thickness greater than that of the second plate.

11. A joint connector according to claim 8 or 9, The first hole has a polygonal shape.

12. A method for manufacturing a joint, the method comprising: manufacturing a joint formed by joining an object to be joined and a connecting member; The object to be joined includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion facing the first plate portion. The first plate portion has a first hole, and the second plate portion has a second hole. The above-mentioned connecting member has: A screw hole extending in the axial direction; A main body extending in the axial direction; A first end portion of the main body portion on one side of the axial direction; A second end portion of the main body portion on the other side of the axial direction; A first connecting portion connecting the main body portion and the first end portion; and A second connecting portion connects the main body portion and the second end portion. The screw hole is provided in at least one of the main body and the second end. The outer diameters of a portion of the main body adjacent to the first connecting portion and the first connecting portion are different values. The outer diameters of the portion of the first end portion adjacent to the first connecting portion and the first connecting portion are each smaller than the outer diameter of the portion of the main body portion adjacent to the first connecting portion. The outer diameters of a portion of the main body adjacent to the second connecting portion and the second end portion are different values. The wall thickness of each of the first end portion and the first connecting portion as viewed in the axial direction is thinner than the wall thickness of the main body portion. The manufacturing method includes a step of preparing the object to be joined and the connecting member, a first step, and a second step. In the first step, the following caulking preparation state is achieved: The first end portion is arranged on one side in the axial direction relative to the first plate portion; The second end portion is arranged on the other axial side relative to the second plate portion; The first connecting portion is arranged inside the first hole; The second connecting portion is arranged inside the second hole; The main body is arranged between the first plate and the second plate; A portion of the main body portion adjacent to the first connecting portion contacts a peripheral edge portion of the first hole of the first plate portion from the other axial side; The portion of the second end portion adjacent to the second connecting portion contacts the peripheral portion of the second hole of the second plate portion from the other axial side, or the portion of the main body portion adjacent to the second connecting portion contacts the peripheral portion of the second hole of the second plate portion from one axial side. In the second step, the connecting component is electrically heated and pressurized from both axial sides in the caulking preparation state, so that the first end portion is deformed to form a deformed portion, and the peripheral portion of the first hole of the first plate portion is clamped from both axial sides by the main body portion and the deformed portion.

13. The method for manufacturing a joint according to claim 12, For the above-mentioned connecting parts, The outer diameter of the portion of the second end portion adjacent to the second connecting portion is larger than the outer diameters of the portion of the main body adjacent to the second connecting portion and the second connecting portion; The outer diameter of the second end portion is larger than the diameter of the second hole; In the caulking preparation state, a portion of the second end portion adjacent to the second connection portion contacts a peripheral edge portion of the second hole of the second plate portion from the other axial side.

14. The method for manufacturing a joint according to claim 12, For the above-mentioned connecting parts, The outer diameters of the second end portion adjacent to the second connecting portion and the second connecting portion are smaller than the outer diameter of the portion of the main body adjacent to the second connecting portion; The wall thickness of each of the second end portion and the second connecting portion as viewed from the axial direction is thinner than the wall thickness of the main body portion; In the caulking preparation state, a portion of the main body portion adjacent to the second connecting portion contacts a peripheral edge portion of the second hole of the second plate portion from one axial side; In the above-mentioned second step, the above-mentioned connecting component is electrically heated and pressurized from both axial sides in the above-mentioned caulking preparation state, so that the above-mentioned second end portion is deformed to form a second deformation portion, and the peripheral portion of the above-mentioned second hole of the above-mentioned second plate portion is clamped from both axial sides by the above-mentioned main body portion and the above-mentioned second deformation portion.

Images